Vertiv MXT5120-VGA VGA Matrix KVM Transmitter
Overview
The Vertiv MXT5120-VGA is a VGA matrix transmitter built for enterprise KVM-over-IP deployments where source computers need to be extended or switched across a networked matrix environment. Part of the Avocent Matrix product line, the MXT5120-VGA handles VGA video at up to 1920x1200 — full WUXGA resolution — and delivers USB 2.0 hub support with class control, making it a solid transmitter-end unit for operator workstations, control rooms, and broadcast environments where VGA sources still drive production systems. If you're evaluating Vertiv KVM and matrix solutions for a multi-user, multi-target infrastructure, this transmitter is the source-side half of the equation.
Key Features
- 1920x1200 VGA Output: WUXGA resolution over a single VGA connection means legacy workstations and servers with VGA heads aren't the weak link in your matrix — operators get full-fidelity video at the receiver end without resolution downscaling that turns fine text into mush.
- Single RJ45 Network Interface: The transmitter connects to your existing IP network via a standard RJ45 port — no proprietary cabling plant required. This means you can use your structured cabling infrastructure and managed PoE switches rather than running dedicated KVM cable runs between rooms or buildings.
- USB 2.0 with Class Control: The USB Type B port feeds a USB 2.0 hub with class control back to the connected host. Class control means the matrix administrator can restrict which USB device classes (storage, HID, audio, etc.) are forwarded, which matters in secure control rooms where plug-and-play USB storage would be a policy violation.
- 0–45°C Operating Range: Rated for operation between 0 and 45°C (32–113°F), the MXT5120-VGA handles standard equipment room and data center ambient temperatures without requiring additional cooling. Not designed for industrial or outdoor environments — this lives in controlled rooms.
- CE, FCC, and UL Agency Approvals: All three major North American and European agency marks are present — FCC for US electromagnetic compliance, CE for European market entry, and UL for safety. This matters when procurement or facilities management requires documentation for site commissioning or insurance purposes.
- Compact 120.65 × 157.48 × 30.73 mm Footprint: At roughly 120 × 157 × 31 mm and 0.64 kg, this transmitter mounts or tucks behind source hardware without taking up significant rack or desk space. Tight control room installs with limited cable management clearance will appreciate the low-profile depth.
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty: Covered under a 2-year manufacturer warranty, which is standard for Avocent Matrix line components and aligns with typical enterprise refresh cycles for KVM infrastructure.
Integration and Compatibility
The MXT5120-VGA is the transmitter unit in the Avocent Matrix ecosystem — it pairs with compatible Avocent Matrix receiver units and a matrix switch/controller to form a complete KVM-over-IP fabric. The VGA video interface targets legacy source hardware; if your target computers are exclusively DisplayPort or HDMI, look at the corresponding DisplayPort or HDMI transmitter variants in the same family rather than adding video conversion adapters, which introduce latency and potential compatibility issues. The USB Type B input connects to the source computer's USB host port, enabling keyboard, mouse, and other HID device pass-through from the operator's remote receiver. For environments mixing VGA and digital video sources, the matrix controller handles cross-connection — the transmitter itself is source-dedicated. Review your matrix controller's firmware compatibility matrix before deploying MXT5120-VGA units alongside newer transmitter generations, as mixed firmware environments can cause feature parity gaps on USB class control. Explore the full range of KVM switches and matrix systems to plan the complete receiver-to-transmitter architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What video resolution does the MXT5120-VGA support?
A: The MXT5120-VGA supports VGA video up to 1920x1200 (WUXGA). This is the maximum resolution transmitted to the matrix — receiver-side display must also support 1920x1200 to render at full fidelity.
Q: What USB standard does the MXT5120-VGA support, and can USB device types be restricted?
A: The MXT5120-VGA includes a USB Type B port supporting USB 2.0 with Class Control. Class Control allows administrators to restrict which categories of USB devices (such as mass storage or audio) are forwarded through the matrix, which is important in security-sensitive environments.
Q: What is the warranty on the MXT5120-VGA?
A: The MXT5120-VGA carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Q: What agency certifications does the MXT5120-VGA hold?
A: The MXT5120-VGA is CE, FCC, and UL certified — covering North American and European regulatory requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety.
Q: Is the MXT5120-VGA suitable for outdoor or industrial environments?
A: No. The MXT5120-VGA is rated for 0–45°C operating temperature and 10–90% non-condensing humidity — appropriate for conditioned equipment rooms and data centers, not outdoor or harsh industrial environments.
Q: Does the MXT5120-VGA work as a standalone extender, or does it require a matrix controller?
A: The MXT5120-VGA is a transmitter unit in the Avocent Matrix ecosystem. It requires a compatible Avocent Matrix switch or controller and receiver units to function — it is not a standalone point-to-point extender.
The MXT5120-VGA is a transmitter-end unit I'd reach for specifically when the source computer has a VGA output and the site already runs Avocent Matrix infrastructure — the 1920x1200 ceiling is the key differentiator here. If a control room operator is running legacy SCADA or HMI software that only drives VGA, you're not giving up resolution by choosing this transmitter, which matters when you're trying to keep text and interface elements readable across a 10-to-1 operator-to-source matrix.
Technical Highlights:
- 1920x1200 VGA: Full WUXGA over VGA — no resolution penalty for VGA sources compared to digital transmitters in mixed deployments, assuming your matrix controller and receivers are rated to match.
- USB 2.0 Class Control: The USB Type B port with class control is the detail that matters in government and financial control rooms. You can permit keyboard and mouse while blocking mass storage class at the matrix level — no endpoint software required.
- Compact 157.48mm depth: At under 158mm deep and 0.64kg, this sits behind a rack-mounted server or on a shelf without needing dedicated real estate. Tight cable trays in broadcast and trading floors won't be a problem.
Deployment Considerations:
- The MXT5120-VGA connects to the source computer via a single VGA cable and a USB Type B cable — plan for both cable runs to the transmitter mounting location. The single RJ45 to the matrix network is the only outbound connection.
- Operating temperature tops out at 45°C — if your equipment room runs warm (dense server rows with poor airflow), verify ambient temperature at the transmitter mounting point before deployment. It's not a wide industrial range.
The MXT5120-VGA (often searched as MXT5120 VGA) is the right transmitter for broadcast control rooms, utility SCADA suites, and trading floor deployments where VGA-output workstations or servers need to feed into an existing Avocent Matrix fabric — particularly where USB device class restriction is a compliance requirement rather than a nice-to-have.
